But first, school. It was Open School day, so all the parents could come and watch. You'd think I would have been nervous, but I honestly didn't notice the moms at all (they were so unassuming) and behaved the same as I would have if they weren't there. I wasn't perfect, and there were a couple little blunders, but whatever, I'm still learning about these girls and what they can do and what level they're at. The parents were all very happy and impressed. All whippin' out their point-and-shoots and taking video of their daughters.
Afterwards we went to church. I know...what? You'd think if there's any place I wouldn't go to church, it'd be Japan, since it is a predominantly atheist country (or so I've heard), and since I don't go to church normally/don't support some of what the Bible teaches/don't believe in the superiority of one religion over others. But here's why I wanted to go to church (and my experience today confirmed this:) it is a perfect opportunity on many levels. It is perfect for meeting Japanese people and speaking Japanese (with people who don't know English.) It is perfect for getting involved in the community and potentially making new friends. And it is a perfect opportunity to sing! I met the pastor and his wife, and a bunch of other community church-goers, and FINALLY got to use some real Japanese and actually attempt to communicate/struggle through the language. That's what I was waiting for! Not only that, but I met a bunch of international students who were attending as well! There were two exchange students from Kenya who go to Nagasaki University, one from Korea, and one white person who's doing JET in Nagasaki Prefecture. So happy to expand my quote-unquote "network" beyond two people :) And not only that but I got to sing as well! We sang from the hymnal a couple times. I didn't know the melody so I just followed along and made up my own harmony. As I read along the projected Japanese lyrics on the wall, I finally had a legit reason to use my glasses since coming here. And the church choir performed, which I was jealous of and I'm thinking of asking if I can sing in the church choir, except that might be awkward. We'll see. And plus, today's lesson was all about respecting your parents, which was really important to me and hit home. Overall I had a really good time, and if anything it just confirmed the positive aspects of religion to me instead of presenting the negative aspects. The only part I didn't like was when they started talking about how people in Tibet/Nepal got converted from Buddhism to Christianity in the past several years. What was wrong with them being Buddhist? :/
A while after church, no one was doing anything, so I mustered up my courage and took a walk by myself. It was beautiful, and I feel so much more confident about exploring the city by myself now. (It's silly really, I know.) I wandered the tiny poor streets of my neighborhood for a while and then set off following the river until I found 眼鏡橋, Meganebashi or "glasses bridge." It's been around since 1634 and survived the atomic bombing of 1945. It's supposed to look like a pair of glasses when the two arcs reflect in the water. Walking along the river was so peaceful (I was so glad for some respite from the rain) and I got to check another "monument" off my to-see list. I am excited to do more alone-outings soon, though they will take more work when I'm trying to find a particular place rather than just wandering. And/or if I have to take the tramcar (still a little scary) rather than walk everywhere.
Vending machines don't have soda, but 3 or more varieties of cold coffee.
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